Lorain County celebrates fall with pumpkin picking

AVON — Lorain County residents are embracing fall with hayrides and pumpkin picking at Fitch’s Farm Market in Avon.
In its 30 years of serving the community, Fitch’s Farm Market, 4413 Center Road, has become a popular fall destination for families.
With pumpkin picking, hayrides, fresh produce, and face painting available for guests, it’s no wonder why the local farmer’s market is well received by residents throughout the county.
Rita Fitch, who runs the family business with her three sons and husband Robert, said the market has been flooded with visitors ever since the fall season began.
“Our market is always pretty popular with the locals year-round, but we see a bit of an increase in attendance during the fall because that’s when families typically come here looking to pick their own pumpkins and take a ride on one of our wagons,” Fitch said. “As a family business, we try to offer many opportunities throughout the year for families to come together. Fall happens to be one of our favorite times of the year because although it may be a bit colder, families still come bundled up with smiles on their faces, ready to pick their own Halloween pumpkin.”
When selecting the perfect pumpkin, Fitch said there’s no real technique to it.
“We try to encourage our first-time pumpkin pickers to choose a level pumpkin for carving and smaller pumpkins for baking because they tend to be sweeter,” Fitch said. “All our pumpkins are ripe for the picking so there’s no worry about that. Really, there’s no right or wrong as long as you’re having fun.”
First-time pumpkin picker Aiden Willis, 2, of North Ridgeville, could not contain his excitement as he explored the market’s pumpkin patch for the first time.
“I got one! I got one! Willis shouted. “This is fun.”
Sharing in Willis’ excitement, Mary Ann Horvath, of Avon, said pumpkin picking has become a tradition in her family.
“Our family comes here just about every year to pick our own Halloween pumpkins and go on a hayride,” Horvath said while helping her 1-year-old granddaughter, Lily, choose a pumpkin. “It’s become a family tradition for us and is something we look forward to every year.”
Apart from pumpkins, Fitch said the market offers the public a great selection of fall decoration and produce.
“Although our hayrides and pumpkin patch are a crowd favorite this time of year, we do offer a variety of other fall items and other seasonal pick-your-own produce such as tomatoes, strawberries, peppers and beans,” Fitch said. “There’s really something for everybody at Fitch’s this fall.”
Fitch’s Farm Market is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
If weather permits, wagon rides and pumpkin picking will take place every weekend from noon to 5 p.m. until October 28.
Hayrides are $6 per rider and include one pumpkin.
For more information about Fitch’s Farm Market, visit www.fitchsfarmmarket.com or call (440) 934-6125.

About the Author

Adriana is the courts and county reporter for Lorain County. She has a B.A. in Journalism and Promotional Communication from Cleveland State University. Reach the author at aadkins@morningjournal.com
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